It's set to be based on the next-generation Honda Fit, making it the latest in a line of downsized crossovers promising chunky styling with a fuel-efficient twist.

They're a world away from the gas-guzzling nature of typical SUVs, and that's part of their appeal. Highway mileage above 30 mpg isn't uncommon, reducing running costs--and of course, emissions--over more traditional all-wheel drive vehicles.

And that's the other benefit--many of these downsized crossovers and SUVs still have an all-wheel drive option, suitable for drivers living where the terrain or weather requires it.

Little is known about the Honda Urban SUV, but it'll be joining a market alongside the Nissan Juke, MINI Countryman and upcoming Buick Encore. An off-road style Fiat 500X model is on the way too, shortly after the 500L lands.

Each is available with all-wheel drive, though all are more efficient as two-wheel drive models. Even so, each is also capable of more than 30 mpg highway, usually from 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engines, which also means decent performance.

Sacrifice a couple of driven wheels (and the occasional turbocharger) and as mileage improves further. A 2013 Nissan Juke with the 1.6 turbo and auto transmission gets 32 mpg highway, and 29 combined. The most efficient MINI Countryman is the 1.6-liter Cooper Countryman, at 30 mpg combined and a respectable 35 mpg highway.

Move up a segment and you'll still see benefits. The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek with AWD--less utilitarian than Subaru's own Forester--manages a combined 28 mpg, and 33 mpg highway with a CVT. Mazda's 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-powered CX-5 with 4WD gets similar figures, with 31 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.

There are options from domestic brands too. Opt for 4WD, with the 2.4-liter engine and manual transmission, and a 2013 Jeep Compass will return 28 mpg highway. Drop down to a 2.0-liter engine and lose the AWD, and 30 mpg is there for the taking.

A Fit-based crossover could realistically beat all of these, and may even cost less than all of them too.

And while a production model isn't yet confirmed, the concept could prove to be one of the more interesting debuts at Detroit.